Can you eat raw ground beef left out overnight?

Absolutely not. Eating raw ground beef left out overnight is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious food poisoning.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Ground beef is a prime breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, and within just a few hours, they can reach levels that can make you very sick.

* Foodborne Illness: Consuming food contaminated with these bacteria can cause severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and dehydration. In some cases, these illnesses can be life-threatening, especially for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

It's crucial to remember:

* The "Danger Zone": Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Ground beef should be kept at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.

* Refrigerate Promptly: Ground beef should be refrigerated immediately after purchasing and within two hours of cooking.

* Never Leave Out: Never leave ground beef out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

If you have any doubts about the safety of ground beef, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Your health is worth it.